The Broken Room by Peter Clines

Hector was minding his own business, working his way to the bottom of a bottle as per usual, when Natalie showed up. She said Tim sent her. Problem is, Tim has been dead for quite some time. And apparently he's talking to Natalie. But dead or not, Hector owes Tim.

When Natalie reveals she's been part of the Project, Hector knows he's in for trouble. Everyone in his line of business has heard of the Project but no one knows exactly what it is. That Natalie escaped at all is an insane prospect. That she was helped by a dead agent who continues to guide her, is almost more than Hector can believe. 

But when agents start tracking them, willing to do anything it takes to retrieve Natalie, Hector knows he has to help her. 

I love Peter Clines! I first discovered him with Ex-Heroes, the first in his fantastic series that pit super heroes against zombies, and I have been a die hard fan ever since. So The Broken was already on my must read list. And then one of my other favorite authors, Scott Sigler, blurbed the book calling it "The Professional meets Stranger Things..." and I was sold all over again!

And really, that is the most appropriate comp/description you can give this book!

Hector is retired. Not officially, because in his line of work officially retired basically means dead. But he lives off the grid, ready to disappear at the drop of a hat. And all he really does with his day is drink himself into oblivion. 

In spite of that, he's still very good at his job. And Natalie needs someone at their best. 

The girl is about twelve and as she reveals her story, it turns out she's been through more than any twelve year old should ever have to go through. And that was before she was recruited into the Project. 

Hector wants to protect her, but Natalie and Tim have other ideas. And as Hector and Natalie spend more time together, it quickly becomes clear to Hector that he has to help her any way he can. And that means infiltrating the Project itself. 

This book is weird and excellent! It's everything I wanted out of a new Peter Clines read and so much more! It's cinematic in scope, it's excellently plotted, and the pacing is phenomenal. And it really is The Professional meets Stranger Things!

Highly, highly, highly recommended!

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